What Are the Differences Between VoIP and SIP?

While businesses can choose between VoIP and SIP services, what are the distinctions between them?

Businesses can choose between VoIP and SIP services. Both are communications systems that offer businesses a way to cut costs and save money while still getting excellent and reliable communication capabilities. Increased productivity is another tremendous benefit. But the question remains: what distinguishes them? Here are the main differences between VoIP and SIP.  

What Do VoIP and SIP Stand For?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, while SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. Computers and mobile devices are both integral to using both of these protocols. VoIP allows for voice-based messages to be sent via online means. Teleconferencing is becoming increasingly popular thanks to VoIP technology. Skype is one famous example of this technology becoming widespread. VoIP is also particularly popular with small, single location businesses.

SIP allows for a wider range of communication possibilities. The Internet is well-known for its ability to facilitate the transmission of various forms of multimedia. SIP enables users to spread these transmissions to many other users all at once. SIP trunks, as they are known, are also incredibly versatile. SIP trunks provide a digital version of a phone line, removing the need for physical assets such as wiring and boxes. In addition to this wireless connectivity, voice messages, data, and video can all be transmitted through SIP trunks. Larger companies with more offices and remote employees tend to employ SIP services.

The Main Differences

In essential terms, VoIP enables the user to make and receive online phone calls or on private networks dedicated to one particular outlet. Conversely, SIP is a much larger application. Connections can be made, maintained, and ended, especially when VoIP calls are involved. The major difference between the two is their scale – VoIP represents a related group of disparate technologies implemented through the present telecommunications industry. SIP is a component process within that web of technologies.

From the outside, these protocols may act exactly the same, but they also operate differently.  SIP-based systems can handle voice calls (audio only) as well as video calls, and these are often completely free services.  

Consider ACC Telecom for Your VoIP Needs!

ACC Telecom provides voice communication and cloud-based solutions tailored to the needs of your business. We have over 38 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and pride ourselves on offering customers top-notch service and affordable prices. To get a quote or learn more about how we can help your business grow, give us a call at 410-995-0101. For more interesting articles and tips, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Google+.

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